Question NW2438 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
12 September 2017 - NW2438
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, with reference to the oceanic tidal pools established along the country’s coastline, in particular those under the direct control and maintenance of SANPARKS, research studies have been conducted into alternative means to clean the tidal pools, other than draining, lime-washing and the addition of chemicals as this method is known to be highly destructive to the existing fragile marine eco-systems found in and around the tidal pools which are safe havens for many marine breeding species; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, the South African National Parks (SANParks) has not conducted any research into alternative means to clean tidal pools because no negative impacts have been observed yet in the way the two tidal pools are being cleaned. The City of Cape Town is responsible for cleaning most of the tidal pools on the False Bay coast line and it has its own cleaning and mitigation regime. There are only two tidal pools at the Cape Point that SANParks is responsible for.
---ooOoo---